Words of Salvation

And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” - Luke 23:43.

             The second Word of God on cross spoken by Jesus is a word of salvation. Jesus was crucified on the cross between two thieves. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left - Luke 23:33. Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors - Isaiah 53:12.  

              One of the thieves hanged on the cross blasphemed Jesus whereas the other thief was saved on the cross. Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? - Luke 23:40. The other thief recognized that Jesus is sinless and He is the Savior. And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong - Luke 23:41.

              The thief on the left asked Jesus to save him and told to remember him when he comes into His kingdom. He believed in a future life and in judgment. The thief said to Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” - Luke 23:42. Jesus promised the thief that he would be in paradise and offered him the eternal life on the cross. And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” - Luke 23:43. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” - Romans 10:13.                                              

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We thank You for saving us by Your grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.